Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)

2017 Fralin SURF Cohort

About the Program

The Fralin SURF program is a 10-week training program designed to give motivated Virginia Tech undergraduates the opportunity to engage in full time (approx. 40 hrs/wk) research and related professional development activities that mirror graduate training. The goal is to offer students experiences that will help them determine if they want to pursue a career in research while they develop skills for graduate school. The program includes weekly research and professional development seminars, periodic social events, and a final symposium during which students will present their research. Students selected to participate in this training program will receive a $4,000 stipend.

Although all Virginia Tech undergraduates considering a career in life science research are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to rising second and third year undergraduates, students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and students who have yet to engage in a full-time summer research experiences.

Because SURF fellows must commit at least 40 hrs/wk to the training program, fellows are not permitted to enroll in summer classes, participate in MCAT prep courses, engage in activities for pay, or engage in other activities that may interfere with program activities.

Students must identify a faculty mentor working in the life sciences at Virginia Tech before applying to the program. Some faculty member research areas can be found on the Fralin research site; however, the faculty member does not have to be affiliated with Fralin.

"SURF was a huge stepping stone in my development as a scientist. The program may have only been 10 weeks, but the lessons and friendships I gained from participating in SURF will last a lifetime."

-- Nick Lord, Crop & Soil Environmental Science, 2017

"The Fralin SURF Fellowship allows one to partake in societal changing research and the preparation for the summer research symposium was one of the most transformative experience during my preparation for medical school."

-- Michael Corbin II, Biochemistry, 2017

"SURF was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Through the many hours spent in the laboratory of Dr. Daniel Slade, and the various seminars offered throughout the program, my aspirations of continuing to pursue research as a career was absolutely affirmed."

-- Hans Smith, Biochemistry, 2017

Middle school students participating in "hands-on" activities at a Kids' Tech University event (photo: Ivan Morozov, Fralin LSI, Virginia Tech)